Finding Community for Loved Ones
When You’re Supported, They Benefit
Being a loved one or caregiver to a young adult with breast cancer can be both rewarding and overwhelming. No matter what stage or phase your loved one is in, building a strong community makes a difference for them and for you. This section offers virtual and in-person resources to help you create connections to ease your loved one’s journey while giving you the strength, and support you need.
If your loved one is a patient at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, you as a caregiver have access to DFCI’s support offerings. Visit the DFCI Community Offerings for Loved Ones page for more options.
IBC Community Forum
The IBC Network Foundation Community Forum is a welcoming space for friends and family members of those facing inflammatory breast cancer. Here, you can connect with others who understand the unique challenges of supporting a loved one, share advice, or simply let go of your worries in a compassionate community. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, practical tips, or a reminder that you’re not alone, this forum offers hope, friendship, and a circle of support.
4th Angel
The Cleveland Clinic’s 4th Angel Mentoring Program is a free, national service that pairs you with a trained volunteer who has walked a similar path. By connecting you one-on-one with someone close in age and experience, the program offers not just empathy, but also practical guidance and hope.
Imerman Angels
This organization was created on the belief that no one should have to face cancer alone and that includes friends and loved ones who are providing care, too. Imerman Angels can connect you with another caregiver who understands the unique mix of stress, love, and responsibility that comes with supporting someone through breast cancer.
American Cancer society and ACS CARES
ACS CARES is a free mobile app from the American Cancer Society built to support caregivers and loved ones of people facing cancer—along with the patients themselves. It gives you reliable information, trusted connections, and expert guidance so you can be there when it matters most.
With ACS CARES, you’ll find resources designed to ease the caregiving journey and adapt to your family’s unique needs.
Cancer Support Community – MA
Cancer Support Community Massachusetts (CSC MA) provides free programs for caregivers, and families across the state. Rooted in the mission to ensure that everyone impacted by cancer is empowered, supported, and connected, CSC MA offers: weekly virtual caregiver groups, a Helpline for immediate guidance, educational resources, and MyLifeLine®, a private online community for connection and encouragement.
Cancer Support Community – Local Programs
Cancer Support Community’s local chapters offer free in-person programs for caregivers, families, and people living with cancer. Depending on your location, you can join: support groups where caregivers can share experiences and gain guidance, wellness activities like yoga and fitness classes to help manage stress, and educational workshops on topics like nutrition, coping, communication, and navigating treatment together.
MyLifeLine® Online Community
Cancer Support Community’s MyLifeLine® is a free online platform designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation for caregivers, families, and patients. Here, you can: Access resources that help you cope, stay organized, and feel more in control of the caregiving experience. Build a personal support network of family and friends to keep everyone informed and connected and join discussion boards with others facing the same caregiving or cancer-related challenges.
FORCE
FORCE offers 14 unique community support meetings on Zoom, including sessions created especially for caregivers and loved ones. These meetings are safe, confidential spaces where you can share experiences, learn practical tips, and gain strength from a community that truly gets what you’re going through. Each group is led by trained volunteers and genetic counselors who bring both expertise and empathy, helping you feel informed and supported.
Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer’s programs bring together patients, survivors, caregivers, and professionals to share real conversations and build friendships. Online or in person, these social gatherings let you meet peers who understand your world. They aren’t traditional support groups, but welcoming spaces where laughter, candid conversations, and lasting connections happen.
Warrior Chats
From Tough Warrior Princesses (TWP) based in Amesbury, who is dedicated to supporting young women facing breast cancer—and the loved ones who walk beside them. Both survivors and caregiver gatherings provide a safe, understanding space to share, listen, and feel connected. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 50 Market Street in Amesbury, MA.
Jack’s Caregiving Coalition
Jack’s Caregiver Coalition offers programs to support you throughout your caregiving journey and beyond. Some gatherings are held in the Twin Cities, while others are online or by phone, making them accessible anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Offering Peer Support, Group Gatherings, and Special Events.
CancerCare: Caregiver Support Group
This group offers a welcoming space to talk openly about the realities of caring for a loved one while also taking care of yourself. Guided by oncology social workers, discussions focus on practical and emotional skills—like building support networks, navigating changing responsibilities, and gaining confidence in your role. Held virtually on Zoom.
